Balanced, multi-stud hold-down

ABSTRACT

A hold-down for securing first and second support members in a portion of a building to an anchoring device extending from another portion of the building. The hold-down may include a first flange having securement apertures therethrough configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the first flange to the first support member. A second flange may have securement apertures configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the second flange to the second support member. A base may connect the first and second flanges and have an aperture sized and positioned to receive the anchoring device therethrough. The first and second flanges may be configured to be loaded substantially exclusively in tension by the anchoring device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application SerialNo. 60/223,758, filed on Aug. 8, 2000 and directed to a MULTI-STUDCONCENTRIC HOLD-DOWN.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to building construction, and morespecifically, to apparatus for anchoring walls to foundations and lowerfloors.

2. Background

Strong winds and earthquakes subject walls and others elements of abuilding to tremendous forces. If these forces are not distributed tothe proper elements or structures capable of withstanding such force,the building may be torn apart. Foundations are often the strongestelement of a building. Securely tying the walls of a building to thefoundation greatly improves structural performance during periods ofstrong wind or earthquake. Securement promotes single body motion andlimits whiplash amplification that often results in structural failure.

Under extreme conditions, a building may be violently loaded or shakenback and forth in a lateral (side to side) direction. If a shear wall istightly restrained at its base, loads may be smoothly transferred to thefoundation. The loads may then be resolved in the foundation, where theyappear as tension and compression forces.

Buildings are often composed of long walls, (walls with a length greaterthan the height) and short walls (walls that have a length shorter thanthe height). The tendency for a wall to lift vertically off a foundationis inversely proportional to the length of the wall. Tall narrow shearwalls, which may be found in nearly all homes, act as lever arms and maymagnify an imposed load. In certain instances, the actual load on thesecurement system may be magnified to several times the originallyimposed load.

Wall securement may prevent lateral and vertical motion between thewalls and the foundation. Additionally, it may be necessary to supportthe wall against forces that would tend to distort the wall's generalrectangular shape. Building codes often require external and loadbearing walls to be shear resistant by providing a plywood plane tosupport shear forces that may be imposed on the wall. Many times,building codes also require lateral and vertical securement of a wall tothe foundation. Lateral and vertical securement may be accomplished byemploying hold-downs, also referred to as tie-downs.

Typically, hold-downs are attached eccentrically, spaced from theneutral axis, on a selected number of support members (e.g. posts,beams, or studs) which make up the wall of building. Eccentricattachment introduces a moment in the support member that greatlyreduces the tensile capacity thereof. Eccentric attachment may alsocause the support member to deflect excessively. The tensile forcecaused by tightening the hold-down may cause the support member to bow.Bowing tends to promote column buckling and reduces the effectiveness ofthe support member to provide sufficient structural support.

Moreover, hold-downs are difficult to install and expensive tofabricate. Accordingly, a need exists for a balanced hold-down that maybe easily installed. It would be a further advancement to provide abalanced hold-down that may be produced in greater quantities withgreater speed and less expense.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a balanced hold-downthat may be easily and quickly secured to support members.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hold-downthat may be mass produced inexpensively.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus and method in accordance with thepresent invention may include a hold-down for securing first and secondsupport members to an anchoring device in a balanced manner. Theanchoring device may extend from a foundation or from a wall up througha floor to another wall positioned thereabove. When an anchoring deviceextends through a floor, hold-downs in accordance with the presentinvention may be used to engage and secured both ends thereof.

A hold-down in accordance with the present invention may have a firstflange, a second flange, and a base connecting the first and secondflanges and having an aperture for admitting an anchoring device. Thefirst and second flanges may engage first and second support membersrespectively. The first and second flanges may each have multiplesecurement apertures. The securement apertures may allow a securementmechanism to be introduced therethrough to engage the first or secondsupport member or both. In certain embodiments, the securement mechanismmay be a nail. The securement mechanisms may be admitted into thesupport members in a manner selected to substantially reduce splittingof the support member. The number of securement apertures andaccompanying securement mechanisms may be selected to provide sufficientengagement to meet or exceed a minimum strength requirement. The minimumstrength requirement may be selected to meet a given building code.

A hold-down in accordance with the present invention may be loaded intension when in use. Tensile loading may permit a hold-down to be formedof a relatively thin material (e.g. sheet metal). A hold-down that maybe loaded in compression will likely be made of a relatively thickmaterial. The thicker material may be needed to resist buckling as wellas the applied load. A hold-down loaded in tension may only need toresist the applied load. As a result, a hold-down to be loaded intension may be lighter, more easily manufactured, and cheaper than ahold-down to be loaded in compression.

In one embodiment, the hold-down is installed by securing the firstflange to a first support member and securing the second flange to asecond support member. An anchoring device may be admitted through anaperture provided in the base. A fastener may be tightened on theanchoring device to load the first and second flanges in tension.

In certain embodiments, the base may be formed to resist distortion orfailure thereof during installation and the subsequent loading that maybe experienced during strong winds, earthquakes, and the like. The basethickness may be selected to resist distortion and unwanted flexing.Additionally, the base may be formed in a manner to increase the sectionmodulus thereof. Distortion and unwanted flexing of the base may also besubstantially reduced by positioning an insert, having the strength andrigidity needed to resist the forces of use, over the base.

In certain applications, selected embodiments in accordance with thepresent invention may provide a hold-down for engaging first and secondsupport members having rectangular cross-sections. Such rectangularsupport members may each have an inside face, outside face, left side,and right side. The first and second support members may be arranged sothat inside faces face each other. In such a configuration, the firstflange may be secured to the inside face of the first support memberwhile the second flange may be secured to the inside face of the secondsupport member. In another embodiment, the first flange may be securedto left and right sides of the first support member while the secondflange may be secured to left and right sides of the second supportmember.

Securement mechanisms may be introduced through securement apertures ofeach flange at any suitable angle with respect to the surface to whichthe given flange is being secured. The angle at which the securementmechanism is introduced may be selected to mitigate the risk ofsplitting the support member. In certain embodiments, the first andsecond flanges may be formed in a manner to provide a flat, parallelsurface to facilitate introduction of the securement mechanism into thesupport member at an angle other than normal and to contact a head ofthe securement mechanism.

In some applications, the outside faces of the first and second supportmembers may be inaccessible. Certain embodiments in accordance with thepresent invention allow for the securement mechanisms to be introducedthrough the first or second flange and into the first or second supportmember without access to the outside faces of either support member.Additionally, the hold-down may be formed to allow the securementmechanism to be installed from a location that is not collinear with thefirst and second support members.

A method for fabricating a hold-down is also included within the scopeof the present invention. The method of fabrication may include cuttinga blank, such as a selected shape of sheet metal, to sustain forminginto a first flange, a second flange, and a base. The first and secondflanges may have securement apertures extending therethrough. The blankmay be formed or bent to position the first and second flangessubstantially parallel to one another with the base connecting the firstflange to the second flange, permitting the first and second flanges toengage a first and a second support member in a balanced manner.

Consistent with the foregoing objects, and in accordance with theinvention as embodied and broadly described herein, an apparatus andmethod are disclosed in suitable detail to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the invention. The features, and advantagesof the present invention will become more fully apparent from thefollowing description, or may be learned by the practice of theinvention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of theinvention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of itsscope, the invention will be described with additional specificity anddetail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reinforcement in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of areinforcement in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative application of areinforcement in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative application of areinforcement in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hold-down;

FIG. 7 is a top plan cross-sectional view of a reinforcement using thehold-down of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plan cross-sectional view of a reinforcement inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hold-down;

FIG. 10 is a top plan cross-sectional view of a reinforcement using thehold-down of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hold-down;

FIG. 12 is a top plan cross-sectional view of a reinforcement using thehold-down of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of alternative embodiment of a hold-down;

FIG. 14 is a top plan cross-sectional view of a reinforcement using thehold-down of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of alternative embodiment of a hold-down;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of alternative embodiment of a hold-down;and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a insert that may beused in the embodiment of the hold-down illustrated in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentinvention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein,may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the system and method of the present invention, asrepresented in FIGS. 1 through 17, is not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention. Several Figures display an automatic take-up device. Thisdevice is described fully in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/156,042previously filed by this inventor, and incorporated herein by reference.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will, of course, appreciate thatvarious modifications to the details of the Figures may easily be madewithout departing from the essential characteristics of the invention.Thus, the following description of the Figures is intended only by wayof example, and simply illustrates certain embodiments consistent withthe invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, in discussing the Figures, it may be advantageousto establish a reliable coordinate system to aid in the description ofseveral of the embodiments in accordance with the present invention.Coordinate axes 11 may be defined by longitudinal 11 a, lateral 11 b,and transverse directions 11 c substantially orthogonal to one another.In the description to follow, the embodiments will be oriented so thatthey are aligned and primarily configured to oppose or transfer forcesin a transverse direction 11 c. Embodiments in accordance with thepresent invention may resist or transfer forces and loads along morethan one axis simultaneously. Several embodiments, however, may beparticularly well suited to resisting or transferring loads in a givendirection, and as previously mentioned, this principal axis willtypically be substantially the transverse axis 11 c.

A reinforcement 10 in accordance with the present invention may includea hold-down 12, which engages a first support member 14 and a secondsupport member 16. The support members 14, 16 may be any structuralsupport member that may be used in construction. The support members 14,16 may have a variety of cross-sectional configurations, such asrectangular, circular, I-beam, or any other suitable design. Typicalmaterials include wood and metal. However, embodiments in accordancewith the present invention may be applied to support members 14, 16 madeof any material having the desired structural characteristics.

An anchoring device 18 may extend transversely 11 c from a foundation20, through a sill 22, and into the hold-down 12. Once installed, thehold-down 12 may transfer the loads applied to the support members 14,16, to the anchoring device 18 for subsequent transfer to the foundation20.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, both support members 14, 16 may extendsubstantially transversely. A hold-down 12, comprising first and secondflanges, each having a first and second surfaces non-coplaner withrespect to one another, wherein the first surfaces abut the first andsecond studs respectively, and the second surfaces are provided withsecurement apertures positioned to received fasteners to penetrate thefirst and second studs respectively may ensure that the support members14, 16 do not lift transversely away from the foundation 20. Inaddition, the hold-down may laterally secure the support members 14, 16to the foundation 20 in a manner to ensure that the foundation 20 andsupport members 14, 16 move laterally (e.g. side to side) together inunitary motion.

The hold-down 12 may be secured to the support members 14, 16 bysecurement mechanisms 24. The securement mechanisms 24 may be nails,rivets, screws, bolts, welds, glue, tethers, staples, or the like,depending on the support members 14, 16 and any other functional desiresfor a suitable attachment device. In selected embodiments, thesecurement mechanisms 24 may be selected to reduce or substantiallyeliminate the cutting of fibers of the support members 14, 16. Forexample, if the support members are wood, a nail may be used as asecurement mechanism 24. The nails may divide the fibers of the supportmembers 14, 16 without cutting substantial numbers of them. Thus, thesupport members may not be significantly weakened in the direction ofthe fibers.

In certain embodiments, the securement mechanisms 24 are selected toenable installation by a power tool. Such a power tool may include astapler, screw driver, nail gun, nut driver, wrench, or other suitableimplement. In one embodiment, the securement mechanisms 24 are nailscapable of installation by a nail gun.

An automatic take-up device 26 may be included in certain embodiments ofthe reinforcement 10. A automatic take-up device allows a hold-down 12to compensate, adjust, and prevent transverse gapping that often occursdue to shrinkage of the support members 14, 16 and the sill 22. Afastener 28 may engage the anchoring device 18 in a manner totransversely pull the support members 14, 16 and the sill 22 firmlyagainst the foundation 20. Thus, the hold-down 12 may be principallyloaded in tension.

Referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment of a hold-down 12 in accordance withthe present invention may have a first flange 30 and a second flange 32.A base 34 may connect the first and second flanges 30, 32. The base 34may have a width 35 selected to balance considerations such asaccessibility to the fastener, equal loading of the support members 14,16, and the maximum bending moment the base 34 may withstand. Thehold-down 12 may be constructed of a material having selected propertiesto optimize performance, such as rigidity, toughness, bending strength,resistance to tearing or distortion, survivability, tensile strength,and the like. In certain embodiments, the hold-down 12 may be made of ametal. Alternative materials may include selected polymeric materials,composite materials, wooden structures, and the like.

A hold-down 12 in accordance with the present invention may be loaded intension when in use. A hold-down 12 loaded in tension may be constructedof a relatively thin material. A hold-down 12 loaded in compressionlikely will be made of a relatively thick material. The material used inthe construction of compression hold-down 12 may be thicker to resistbuckling as well as the applied load. A hold-down 12 loaded in tension,on the other hand, need only resist the applied load. As a result, ahold-down 12 to be loaded in tension may be lighter, more easilymanufactured, and cheaper than a hold-down 12 to be loaded incompression.

A method for fabricating a hold-down 12 may include cutting a selectedshape out of a base material, such as sheet metal, to form a blank 37.Portions of a blank 37 may include regions suitable for forming into afirst flange 30, a second flange 32, and a base 34. The blank 37 may beformed, such as by bending, to position the first and second flanges 30,32 opposite and substantially parallel to one another with the base 34connecting the first flange 30 to the second flange 32. The first andsecond flanges 30, 32 are formed to engage the first and the secondsupport members 14, 16, respectively, in a balanced, concentric manner,with any eccentricity minimized. If desired, the blank 37 may havescoring, thinning, marking, or the like to provide preferential bendinglines incorporated therewith to facilitate bending and forming thehold-down 12 to the correct geometry.

In an alternative embodiment, the first and second flanges 30, 32 maysecured to the base 34 by one or more fasteners. In such aconfiguration, the first flange 30, the second flange 32, and base 34may be formed separately. The components 30, 32, 34 may then be linked,secured, or otherwise integrated together so that the first and secondflanges 30, 32 are opposed and substantially parallel to one anotherwith the base 34 connecting the first flange 30 to the second flange 32.The fastening mechanism, for securing the first flange 30 to the base 34and the base 34 to the second flange 32, may be selected for durability,ease of installation, reliability, and so forth. A bolt, rivet, glue,weldment, tabs, mortices and tenons, interlocking portions, or the likemay be suitable. The first and second flanges 30, 32 may be formed toengage the first and second support members 14, 16, respectively, in abalanced manner.

In selected embodiments, the first and second flanges 30, 32 and thebase 34 may be formed already in a final configuration. This forming maybe the result of a molding process. In alternative embodiments, thehold-down 12 is formed in a final configuration by laying up and curinga composite in the desired shape.

In certain embodiments, an insert 36 may be placed over the base 34 toincrease the rigidity of the hold-down 12 and resist flexing anddeformation of the base 34 as the fastener 28 is tightened.Additionally, the insert 36 may reinforce against, or distribute, loadsthroughout the hold-down 12 to withstand larger forces imposed thereonby strong winds, earthquakes, and the like. If desired, the insert 36may be secured to the base 34 to be fixed thereto, self aligningtherewith, or in any other suitable manner. The insert 36 may beconstructed of a material having selected properties to optimizeperformance, such as rigidity, toughness, bending strength, resistanceto tearing or distortion, survivability, and the like. In certainembodiments, the insert 36 may be made of a suitable metallic material.

The advisability or benefit of an insert 36 may be a function of thespan 39 between the support members 14, 16, the thickness of the base34, and the expected loading of the hold-down 12. The span 39 betweenthe support members 14, 16 may affect how wide the base 34 must be. Fora given loading of the hold-down 12, the wider the base 34, the largerthe bending moment that the base 34 may be required to withstand. If thespan 39 between the support members 14, 16 is small, or if the base 34is made of material with sufficient thickness, the insert 36 may beobviated. Alternatively, the base may be formed to be curved orotherwise narrowed in order to reduce or substantially eliminate bendingmoments in the base 34.

In selected embodiments, an anchoring device 18 may have a fastenerportion 38 and an anchoring portion 40. In one embodiment, a fastenerportion 38 may provide a method for securing the fastener 28. Forexample, the fastener portion 38 may be threaded to accept a nut 28.Such an anchoring device 18 may be embodied as a tie-bolt 18. The anchorportion 40 of the anchoring device 18 may be shaped to provide a stronghold in or on the foundation 20 or a lower portion of a building. Inmany applications, the foundation 20 may be concrete. In such a case,the anchor portion 40 of the anchoring device 18 may be introduced intothe concrete before it cures.

It may be readily appreciated that a hold-down 12 in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention may be modified to providetensioning and proper load transfer with a wide variety of anchoringdevices 18.

Referring to FIG. 3, in selected applications, it may be advantageous tosecure the base 34 of the hold-down 12 directly against the sill 22.Such a configuration may transversely hold the support members 14, 16and the sill 22 firmly against the foundation 20 or other structuresbelow. Bearing capacity of the wall may be greatly increased by theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 3. Preliminary tests indicate thatwith the base 34 of the hold-down 12 directly against the sill 22 thebearing capacity of the support members may be more than doubled.

In selected embodiments, a compression block 42 may form part of thereinforcement 10. The compression block 42 may be placed longitudinallybetween the first and second support members 14, 16. The compressionblock 42 may be independent from the hold-down 12, or may be formedtherewith. If the block 42 is formed as part of the hold-down 12, it mayextend longitudinally between the first and second flanges 14, 16 at aposition transversely opposed to the base 34.

Referring to FIG. 4, embodiments in accordance with the presentinvention may be applied to transversely secure the support members 14,16 of a upper floor to support members 44, 46 of lower floor. Such aconfiguration provides transverse securement, even across differentfloors. To achieve the optimum results, it may be beneficial to securethe support members 44, 46 of the lower floor to the foundation 20 asdescribed hereinabove. A continuously connected structural path may thenbe formed from the foundation to the uppermost wall or support members.In combination with an adequate shear wall, the reinforcements 10 inaccordance with the present invention may greatly improve unitary motionbetween the foundation 20 and all support members.

When transversely securing through a floor, an anchoring device 18 maytransversely extend from a first hold-down 12 a down through a baseboard 48. The anchoring device 18 may extend through the flooring 50,the space 51 created by a header 52 and trusses 54, top boards 56, 58,to a second hold-down 12 b.

In a support member-to-support member reinforcement 10 as illustrated inFIG. 4, the first and second hold-downs 12 a, 12 b may be arranged asmirror images of each other across a longitudinally extending centerline59. The two hold-downs 12 a, 12 b need not, however, be identicalembodiments. A differently arranged hold-down 12 in accordance with thepresent invention may be applied to either the upper or lower floordepending on construction constraints and accessibility.

Referring to FIG. 5, as discussed hereinabove, embodiments in accordancewith the present invention may be applied to vertical securement ofsupport members to horizontally extending foundations (e.g. securingsupport members to foundations, where the foundations are positioned tosupport the weight of the support members). Embodiments in accordancewith the present invention may also be applied to horizontal securementof support members to more vertically extending foundations. In such aconfiguration, the support members may be secured to verticallyextending portions of foundations, where the foundations do not supportall of the weight of the support members. This application may be usefulin securing horizontally extending support members 14, 16 to afoundation wall 20.

In describing the embodiments that may be applied to the presentapplication, a similar naming and numbering convention will be used. Thecoordinate axes 11 a, 11 b, 11 c will be rotated so that the transverse11 c direction will maintain alignment with the principal axis ofsecurement.

A hold-down 12 may engage a first support member 14 and a second supportmember 16. A load support beam 60 may be installed to carry the lateralload 61 that may be applied to the support members 14, 16. A firstanchoring device 18 a may extend transversely from a foundation wall 20,through a sill 22, and into the hold-down 12. If desired, a secondanchoring device 18 b may also extend transversely 11 c from thefoundation wall 20, through the sill 22, and into the hold-down 12. Forthe sake of illustration, it will be assumed that the currentapplication will involve both a first and a second anchoring device 18.The present embodiment in no way requires two anchoring devices 18 a, 18b and the both are included only to illustrate that multiple anchoringdevices 18 a, 18 b may be a feasible option.

The hold-down 12 may be secured to the support members 14, 16 by aplurality of securement mechanisms 24. Automatic take-up devices 26 a,26 b may be included in the installation of certain embodiments of thereinforcement 10. Fasteners 28 a, 28 b may engage the anchoring devices18 a, 18 b, respectively, in a manner to transversely pull the supportmembers 14, 16 and the sill 22 firmly against the foundation wall 20.

As discussed hereinabove, the hold-down 12 may have a first flange 30and a second flange 32. A base 34 may connect the first and secondflanges 30, 32. The base 34 may have a width 35 selected to balanceconsiderations such as accessibility to the fastener, balanced loadingof the support members 14, 16, and maximum bending moment the base 34may withstand.

Horizontally extending support members, such as support members 14, 16illustrated in FIG. 5, are typically loaded in bending. Bending loadsoften require that the support members 14, 16 have a greater lateralwidth 63 to resist the induced bending moment. In selected embodimentsin accordance with the present invention, the lateral dimension 65 ofthe hold-down 12 may be selected to match the lateral width 63 of thesupport members 14, 16. Such an arrangement may facilitate theintroduction of the securement mechanisms 24 from both sides 67 a, 67 bof the support members 14, 16. Once installed, the hold-down 12 maytransfer the loads applied to the support members 14, 16, to theanchoring devices 18 a, 18 b for subsequent transfer to the foundationwall 20.

Referring to FIGS. 6-17, a hold-down 12 in accordance with the presentinvention may be arranged in a multitude of configurations. Thedifferent configurations may provide different advantages in differentconstruction applications. The embodiments contained in FIGS. 6-17 areintended to be illustrations of a variety of configurations that may beincluded within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments arenot to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

In reference to the Figures, it may be advantageous to establish areliable system to aid in discussing the surfaces of the support members14, 16. If the support members 14, 16 are generally rectangular incross-section, then the outside faces of support members 14, 16 may bereferenced by identifiers 62 a and 62 b, respectively. The inside facesof support members 14, 16 may be referenced by identifiers 64 a and 64b, respectively. For the sake of distinguishment, identifiers 66 a and66 b may refer to the left sides of support members 14, 16,respectively. Identifiers 68 a and 68 b may refer to the right sides ofsupport members 14, 16, respectively. In the event that the supportmembers 14, 16 are non-rectangular in cross-section, the cross-sectionsmay theoretically be divided into quadrants to which the names andidentifiers discussed hereinabove may refer.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the Figures, particularly FIG. 6, provide aview of a plurality of securement apertures 70. The securement apertures70 may permit a securement mechanism 24 to pass therethrough to engagethe appropriate support member 14, 16. In this particular embodiment,the securement mechanisms 24 engage the support members 14, 16 throughthe inside faces 64 a, 64 b, respectively.

The size of the securement apertures 70 may be selected to admit thesecurement mechanism 24 without excess gapping, thereby reducingunwanted motion between the securement aperture 70 and the securementmechanism 24. In certain embodiments, the securement apertures 70 may beformed to guide the securement mechanism 24 into the support member 14,16 at the desired angle with respect to the inside engagement surface 64a, 64 b. If desired, the securement apertures 70 may be reinforced toresist the shear forces applied thereto during installation andsubsequent use.

The securement mechanisms 24 may be introduced at an angle into thesupport member 14, 16. The angled insertion may reduce splitting ofsupport members 14, 16, if they are made of wood. Additionally, theangled insertion may allow the securement mechanism 24 to be installedby a tool 72 from a location 74 that is not positioned longitudinallybetween the first and second support members 14, 16. Furthermore, suchan installation of the hold-down 12 does not require access to theoutside surfaces 62 a, 62 b of the support members 14, 16, respectively.In practice, access to the outside surfaces 62 a, 62 b is often limitedand in some applications nonexistent.

In certain embodiments, the securement apertures 24 may be distributedalong a transversely extending line 75 proximate the lateral edges 77 a,77 b of the first and second flanges 30, 32. Such a configuration mayprovide four transverse rows 79 of securement apertures 70. In selectedembodiments, the securement apertures 70 may be alternatingly staggeredlaterally along the transversely extending lines 75. The alternation mayprovide additional protection against splitting support members 14, 16made of wood.

The number of securement apertures 70 may be selected to provided accessfor a selected number of securement mechanisms 24. The number ofsecurement mechanisms 24, in turn, may be selected to meet or exceed agiven ultimate strength requirement of the reinforcement 10. The length81 of the flanges 30, 32 in a transverse direction 11 c may be selectedto accommodate the required number of securement apertures 70.

An anchoring device aperture 76 may be provided through the base 34 andthe insert 36, if an insert 36 is to be included. The anchoring deviceaperture 76 may admit an anchoring device 18 therethrough. By tighteninga fastener 28, the hold-down 12 may secure the support members 14, 16 toa foundation 20, a foundation wall 20, or support members 44, 46 of alower floor.

Referring to FIG. 8, as discussed hereinabove, embodiments of thepresent invention may be applied to support members 14, 16 ofnon-rectangular cross-section. For example, a hold-down in accordancewith the present invention may be applied to circular cross-sectionedsupport members 14, 16. FIG. 8 illustrates circular support members 14,16 of tubular construction. The first and second flanges 30, 32 may beformed to contour to the shape of the corresponding support members 14,16.

The curvature of the support members 14, 16 may allow the securementmechanisms 24 to be introduced perpendicularly therein withoutsacrificing the ability to install the securement mechanisms 24 from alocation 74 that is not longitudinally 11 a between the first and secondsupport members 14, 16. As illustrated, penetrating fasteners 24 such asscrews 24, nails 24, or the like, may be used as the securementmechanisms 24.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, one embodiment of a hold-down demonstratesa manner in which the hold-down 12 embodiment may be installed. Inselected embodiments, the first and second flanges 30, 32 may beequipped with brackets 78. In certain embodiments, brackets 78 a, 78 bmay be formed as a continuous piece with the first flange 30. Thebrackets 78 a, 78 b may bend back towards the center of the hold-down 12to form an angle 80. In a similar arrangement, brackets 78 c, 78 d maybe formed as a continuous piece with the second flange 32 and then bentback towards the center of the hold-down 12.

The angle 80 may be selected to guide a securement mechanism 24introduced into the support members 14, 16 at a selected angle withrespect to the inside surfaces 64 a, 64 b, while maintaining a bracketsurface 83 that may be parallel to a head 82 of the securement mechanism24. Providing a bracket surface 83 parallel to the head 82 of thesecurement mechanism 24 may facilitate installation of the securementmechanism 24.

As a result of the brackets 78 a, 78 b and 78 c, 78 d being bent backover the flanges 30, 32, respectively, each securement mechanism 24 mayrequire two securement apertures 70 to gain access to the supportmembers 14, 16. The number and location of the securement apertures 70may be selected to resist splitting of support members 14, 16 andprovide the required strength of the reinforcement 10 when thesecurement mechanisms 24 are installed. Allowing the securementmechanisms 24 to pass through multiple securement apertures 70 mayprovide a guide for installing the securement mechanisms 24 at anydesired angle.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, an alternative embodiment of a hold-down12 demonstrates an alternative manner in which the hold-down 12embodiment may be installed. In certain embodiments, a hold-down 12 inaccordance with the present invention may have multiple corrugations 84.In one embodiment, a pair of corrugations 84 may extend transverselyalong the lateral 77 a, 77 b edges of the first and second flanges 14,16. In addition, the corrugations 84 may be formed to provide externallyfacing surfaces 86 a, 86 b, 86 c, 86 d. The externally facing surfaces86 may contain a plurality of securement apertures 70. An angle 80 ofthe externally facing surfaces 86 with respect to the inside faces 64 a,64 b of the support members 14, 16, respectively, may be selected toposition the externally facing surfaces 86 parallel to a head 82 of asecurement mechanism 24.

If desired, the base 34, may also contain a plurality of corrugations84. The corrugations 84 in the base 34 may be formed to increase therigidity thereof. The increased rigidity may obviate any need for anadditional insert 36 to prevent distortion and flexing of the base 34when a fastener 28 is tightened or when the hold-down 12 is resistingthe forces applied thereto by strong winds, earthquakes, or the like. Inselected applications, the base 34 may have corrugations 84, while theflanges 30, 32 have no corrugations 84.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, an embodiment of a hold-down 12demonstrates another alternative manner in which the hold-down 12embodiment may be installed. The first and second flanges 30, 32 may beequipped with brackets 78 a, 78 b and 78 c, 78 d, respectively. Incertain embodiments, brackets 78 a, 78 b may be formed as a continuouspiece with the first flange 30. Each may bend away from the center ofthe hold-down 12 to form right angle with respect to the inside surface64 a of the first support member 14. In this arrangement, when thehold-down 12 is installed, the brackets 78 a, 78 b may be parallel to,and in contact with, the left and right sides 66 a, 68 a, respectively.

In a similar arrangement, the brackets 78 c, 78 d may be formed as acontinuous piece with the second flange 32 and then bent away from thecenter of the hold-down 12 to form right angle with respect to theinside surface 64 b of the second support member 16. When the hold-down12 is installed, the brackets 78 c, 78 d may be parallel to, and incontact with, the left and right sides 66 b, 68 b, respectively.

The lateral distance 85 between the corresponding brackets 78 a, 78 b or78 c, 78 d may be selected to allow the engagement of left and rightsides 66 a, 68 a and 66 b, 68 b of the first or second support members14, 16, respectively. Securement mechanisms 24 may be easily installedinto the support members 14, 16 in any suitable configuration andspacing. In selected embodiments, the securement mechanisms 24, insertedthrough one of the brackets 78 a or 78 c, may be longitudinally spacedfrom the securement mechanisms 24 inserted through the opposing bracket78 b or 78 d. This may mitigate the risk of the support member 14 or 16splitting, if made of wood.

Referring to FIG. 15, in certain embodiments, it may be desirable toreinforce the base 34 of a hold-down 12 without thickening the base 34material or adding an insert 36. In one embodiment, the base 34 may bestrengthened by the addition of tabs 88 a, 88 b. The base tabs 88 a, 88b may be formed as a continuous piece with the base 34 and then bentaway from the center of the hold-down 12 to form right angle withrespect to the base 34. Such a configuration may increase the sectionmodulus of the base 34. This configuration may resist distortion andflexing of the base 34 when a fastener 28 is tightened or when thehold-down 12 is resisting the severe operational forces applied thereto.

The base tabs 88 are illustrated with a particular hold-down 12embodiment, but may be applied to all the embodiments of hold-downs 12previously presented, as well as all other embodiments in accordancewith the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, in selected embodiments, it may beadvantageous to provide a hold-down 12 with a pre-deflected base 34. Apre-deflected base 34 may provide an efficient load transfer from ananchoring device 18 to the first and second flanges 30, 32. Since thebase 34 has already been deflected, transverse force 87 applied by theanchoring device 18 will be transferred to longitudinal forces 89 a, 89b acting on the flanges 30, 32. The longitudinal 11 a forces may tend todraw the flanges 30, 32 together, pulling them longitudinally away fromthe support members 14, 16. To resist the longitudinal forces 89 a, 89b, a curved insert 90 may be incorporated over the base 34 to resistlongitudinal closing of the hold-down 12 and to provide an efficienttransfer of force from the anchoring device 18 to the curved base 34.

The curved insert 90 may be made of a solid piece of any material havingsuitable strength and rigidity. In certain embodiments, the curvedinsert 90 may not be solid. For example, the curved insert 90 may beformed of a single piece of sheet metal bent to form tabs 92 a, 92 b.The tabs 92 may be formed to increase the section modulus of the curvedinsert 90 as well provide a fit to match the curve of the base 34.

From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that the presentinvention provides novel apparatus and methods directed to a hold-downfor securing first and second support members to an anchoring device.The hold-down may have a first and a second flange, each flange havingmultiple securement apertures for allow securement to the first andsecond support members respectively. A base may connect the first andsecond flange and have an aperture for admitting and securing theanchoring device. When the loaded in application, the first and secondflanges may be configured to be loaded in tension.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative,and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States LettersPatent is:
 1. A hold-down system comprising: a first stud and a secondstud, spaced apart and extending substantially vertically in a shearwall; a hold-down comprising first and second flanges, each having afirst and a second surface non-coplanar with respect to one another,wherein the first surfaces abut the first and second studs,respectively, and the second surfaces are provided with securementapertures positioned to received fasteners to penetrate the first andsecond studs, respectively; an anchoring device to anchor the shearwall; a base connecting the first and second flanges and having anaperture sized and positioned to receive the anchoring devicetherethrough; and the first and second flanges configured to be loadedsubstantially exclusively in tension by the base and anchoring device.2. An apparatus comprising: first and second vertical members spacedfrom one another in a portion of a building; an anchor extending towardthe first and second vertical members from another portion of thebuilding; a first flange shaped to abut the first vertical member; asecond flange shaped to abut the second vertical member; a plurality offasteners the first and second flanges having securement aperturesformed therein to admit selected fasteners of the plurality fasteners tosecure the first flange exclusively to the first vertical member andsecond flange exclusively second vertical member; a base positioned atthe lower end of the first and second flanges to provide an exclusive,direct connection therebetween, the base having a penetration sized andpositioned to receive the anchor therethrough; and the first and secondflanges loaded substantially exclusively in tension by the base andanchor.
 3. A hold-down system comprising: a first stud and a secondstud, spaced apart and extending substantially vertically in a shearwall; a plurality of fasteners; a hold-down comprising first and secondflanges, non-coplanar with respect to one another, wherein the firstflange abuts the first stud and the second flange abuts the second stud,the first and second flanges provided with securement aperturespositioned to received selected fasteners of the plurality of fastenersto penetrate the first and second studs, respectively; an anchoringdevice to anchor the shear wall; a base suspended below and between thefirst and second flanges to form a homogeneous, monolithic piecetherewith, the base having an aperture sized and positioned to receivethe anchoring device therethrough; and the first and second flangesloaded substantially exclusively in tension by the base and anchoringdevice.